AR-News: California Bill Would Ban Force Feeding of Ducks and Sales of Foie Gras

[Pam at AVAR]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23
CONTACT: Teri Barnato- 530-759-8106 or 530-219-7192 (cell)

California Bill Would Ban Force Feeding of Ducks and Sales of Foie Gras
Animal Protectionists Say Practice is Cruel

Sacramento, CA - Senate Bill 1520 has been introduced by Senate President 
Pro-Tem John Burton at the request of a coalition of animal protection 
organizations. The California bill seeks to prohibit the force feeding of 
ducks and geese in the production of foie gras, as well as sale of the product.

"We just shouldn't be cramming a tube down a duck's throat and forcing in 
food to make foie gras," said Senator Burton. "It's an inhumane process 
that other countries have sensibly banned. I'm pleased California will be 
next on the list."

Foie gras (or fatty liver) is produced by force feeding ducks and geese 
excessive amounts of food several times daily, which subsequently causes 
their livers to swell up to 10 times normal size. Some restaurants serve 
the fatty liver as an expensive food item.

"Foie gras production is animal cruelty, and California should take a stand 
against such abuses," said Teri Barnato, National Director of the 
Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, one of the bill sponsors. 
"It is time for California to join with countries such as Denmark, Norway, 
Poland, Germany, and Israel to make this practice illegal."

A nationwide poll taken last month by Zogby International revealed that 77 
percent of likely voters believe the practice of force feeding should be 
banned.

According to Professor Ian Duncan of the University of Guelph, Ontario, 
"Forcing food down a bird's gullet beyond the limits of its appetite will 
cause pain and suffering... Force feeding quickly results in birds that are 
obese and in a pathological state, called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver 
disease."

"Representatives of the poultry industry are claiming that gorging before 
migration is similar to force feeding, which is ludicrous," said Barnato. 
"If ducks ate that much food naturally, then force feeding wouldn't be 
necessary. Further, the Mullard, the duck selected for foie gras 
production, is a cross between two duck species, one that does not migrate."

Professor Nicol of the Division of Farm Animal Science at the University of 
Bristol in England has observed the practice and also finds it cruel. "Foie 
gras production takes no account of the physiological state of the bird but 
involves force feeding far beyond the point at which the bird would 
naturally stop."

SB 1520 is sponsored by the following organizations: Association of 
Veterinarians for Animal Rights (www.avar.org), Farm Sanctuary (www. 
farmsanctuary.org), Los Angeles Lawyers for Animals, and Viva!USA 
(www.vivausa.org).

###


Pam Runquist
Director of Companion Animal Issues
Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights
PO Box 208
Davis, CA 95617-0208
Tel: (530) 759-8106
pam at avar.org

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